COLUMBIA, S.C. — One of South Carolina's largest counties is still dealing with fallout from a rough election day last week.
At a Monday press conference organized by one of Richland County's affected candidates, Hamilton Grant, political and church leaders roundly criticized the County's primary last Tuesday.
Columbia Urban League President James T. McLawhorn had a message for voters.
“Don't be discouraged, we ask that you continue to vote. And we say to the Commission, the authorities for the election commission, we got to get it right. Time is running out. We've been fumbling the ball too long, it's time to get it straight,” McLawhorn said.
The church and political leaders are concerned about last Tuesday’s long lines, confusion over new polling locations, and reports of incorrect ballots.
Columbia's African Methodist Episcopal Church Presiding Elder Rosalyn Coleman said she received dozens of complaints and wants it fixed.
“This has been described, and I got play by play texts all evening, as an experience that was inhumane, it was merciless, and discouraging. Certainly, what we witnessed, was an act of voter suppression. So, we're not asking for anything that is not impossible to do,” Coleman said.
Coleman said on Tuesday she received texts about a pregnant woman who stood outside for hours, only to pass out once she got inside her polling location. After collapsing and receiving medical attention, Coleman said the woman was never able to vote.
After hearing from state lawmaker Beth Bernstein, (D) Columbia, the State Election Commission is now stepping in to help organize the runoffs.
Rep. Bernstein and Representative Ivory Thigpen were present at Monday’s press conference.
Thigpen recounted a story of how he argued with County election officials to let people, still in line in their cars trying to get into the parking lot, vote after polls closed at 7pm.
Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire said they'll hold re-training session for poll workers Wednesday and Thursday.
“We're focusing on the issues they had on June 9th, ballot styles, COVID procedures, and that sort of thing to make sure we're addressing the shortcomings from June 9th,” Whitmire said.
The Commission, which Bernstein said has legal authority to involve itself in County election procedure, will help with the runoffs and then make a decision about November, according to Whitmire.
Whitmire said he hopes the County hires a qualified and experienced election director soon, who can provide steady leadership. Richland County has changed election directors several times in recent years.
On June 23, Richland County Council Districts 7, 8, 9, and 10 will have Democratic candidate runoffs.
Whitmire said if you're eligible, use the same precincts again.
“On June 9th, a lot of voters in Richland County voted at a different place than they were used to voting at. That will remain in effect, you'll go back to the same place you voted at on June 9th,” Whitmire said.
The SEC will also provide absentee voting support and will have resources on-hand for election day and evening next week.
If you voted in the Republican primary last week, or do not live in one of those Council districts, you are not eligible to vote in the runoffs on June 23.
You can check your district and registration here.
Rep. Bernstein said she has recommended action items to try and turn Richland County’s election issues around:
- Request the SEC to help the runoff and November elections
- Increase access to absentee in-person voting both in number of locations, hours, and days
- Extend state of emergency absentee excuse through November’s election
- Set specific qualifications and requirements for applicants applying to be on County boards and commissions